Remote start isn't a luxury feature unless you also classify remote unlock as a feature. Toyota (and many manufacturers) used to use the key fob to also start the car but they disabled that so they could charge for it as part of the subscription.
My point was you can buy a car that is primarily safety+capability and not luxury+subscription. My rav4 has a touchscreen and power windows but that’s literally it as far as convenience/luxury. ~28k a couple years ago, no subscription.
Anything heated, remote, touch to start, etc is in the luxury category what gp was asking about avoiding.
This comment section went from “I don’t understand why car makers don’t sell a cheap stripped down car without luxuries” to “Heated mirrors and seats are very important” very quickly.
HN comments discovering in real time why the stripped-down base model vehicles don’t actually sell. People like those luxury features and they choose to pay extra for them.
Remote start is a luxury feature. Just ignore the subscription offer like a luxury trim option.